45 days after surgery, Rey Loreto knocks out Nkosinathi Joyi in Round 1

Defending IBO light flyweight titlist, Rey Loreto knocked out Nkosinathi Joyi in Round 1 of their rematch in East London, South Africa.

The unknown Loreto came out from nowhere scoring a devastating 3rd round knockout victory over former Olympian and then light flyweight titlist Joyi (24-4, 17 KO’s) during their first encounter in February last year.

After 13 months, Loreto (20-13, 12 KO’s) repeats history, this time knocking out Joyi in Round 1. He overcome the greatest adversity a boxer may have in a fight.

It was miracle how Loreto won via knockout in a fight he’s destined to lose. Loreto underwent a surgical operation 45 days before the fight. But he managed to overcome the huge disadvantage and came out victorious.

The fight was originally scheduled on Feb 28. But was pushed back to March 22 to give time for Loreto’s wounds to heal. Yes! 45 days is needed to heal–but not to train and get ready. But to go back to training for the fight to get back into fighting form is impossible.

“Full recovery from an appendectomy takes about four to six weeks. During this time, your doctor will probably recommend that you limit your physical activity to allow your body to heal. You may also be prescribed antibiotics after the surgery to lower your risk of infection.”

With the above condition, I assumed Loreto did not come back for training. He utilized 45 days to fully recover. But he was not able to go back to training. Then he was pulled out from bed rest to put on the gloves, climbed the ring for a suicide mission.

I’m not a doctor, but I understand the situation and the risk Loreto played. I don’t know who cleared Loreto to fight. And it seemed nobody picked up from the Philippine media regarding the risk Loreto took.

My daughter was operated due to fractured bone last week. He shared the same surgical ward with a patient who underwent appendectomy procedure. He was a 12 year old kid, graduating in elementary, a taekwondo champion and basketball MVP for 12 years old and under league in their municipality. He’s physically active but I saw how he suffered the pain, how his body weakened due to the operation. The recovery is fast but painful. I doubt if he can play basketball after 45 days. But Loreto fought after 45 days.

Building a house can wait, but fighting with his condition can make him go back to the hospital without delay. And all his earnings from the fight might not be enough for hospital bills.

Come on this is boxing, this is not chess match, wherein a week after a surgical operation he can compete. A solid blow to the body could mean a disastrous end.

Anyway, I’m glad the fight did not end in the above way. I salute Loreto’s heart and courage. But courage should not lead to idiotic act. I’m not criticizing the fighter here. A fighter will always be a warrior and fight his fight. But it is the handlers or boxing officials duty to ascertain the fighter’s safety.